Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim says Sunday's derby victory at Manchester City was "incredible" and "magical" - comparing it to the late drama Man Utd became renowned for under former legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Man Utd were trailing 1-0 as late as the 88th minute, before goals from Bruno Fernandes and Amad earned them victory. It was the latest into a match that a reigning champion has led in a Premier League game and lost, and it reminded Amorim of the many times United scored late winners under Ferguson.
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"It was incredible. I think we deserved it," he told BBC Match of the Day.
"It was a very tough match but we believed until the end. We managed to score, we needed that win, it was important for us and for our fans.
"We were in the game for 90 minutes and that is very good. We talk about the Arsenal game, we played well in the first half but they were not believing that we could win. Today was so much more different.
"I also believe. Then we have Fergie time and we put the things together and something magic happened. It was a good day for us.
"They [the fans] need it. Just like us, but you can see the way they celebrate is special. But we need to continue. Our club needs to win these kinds of matches, I understand the happiness of our fans but we need to continue.
"With a victory for City, the performance was the same. We need to improve a lot of things but today the guys deserved the win. They were in it until the last minute and that is important for us."
Amad the hero
Amad was the hero of Sunday's match, winning the penalty that Fernandes converted before producing a sensational run, touch and finish in the 90th minute.
Amorim is keen to keep the 22-year-old's feet on the ground.
"He can play different positions, he is very humble. We have to be very careful with Amad because sometimes in our club we put young players in a special place. Lets stay clam with Amad.
"Erik [Ten Hag] and Ruud [Van Nistelrooy] did a great job with him, we continue that. Really important. All the players fit in my system. If they want to be in it, if they are talented, every player can fit in this system."
Fernandes sets record and calls Amad unstoppable
Man Utd captain Fernandes started the turnaround at the Etihad Stadium, scoring a penalty that also made him a record-breaker for Man Utd.
Fernandes now scored 21 of his 25 penalties for Man Utd in the Premier League, the most by any player for the club in the competition, overtaking Wayne Rooney, who scored 20 of 28.
"When we scored the goal we felt we should go for it. We didn't want a draw. The pressure was really high, even after my miss! I had to relax myself and take a moment for myself. I needed to give it [the penalty] to my team."
On Amad, he added: "He's been doing great things and there’s a lot more to come. He’s always active, always alive and this is why he gets the penalty and his goal. He’s been brilliant but I shouldn’t say much as we need to keep him going as we need him at this level. Like this he is unstoppable.
“I’m pretty sure he can do this every week. We expect it. He knows the expectation when playing for Manchester United. He’s getting his chance deservedly. When you do the right things at the right moments the rewards are here.”
High praise for @AmadDiallo_19 from the captain 🫶#MUFC || #MCIMUN
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 15, 2024
Pundits: Amad's goal was world-class
Amad had the joint-most shots (4), touches in the opposition box (9) and completed the most dribbles in Sunday's match (5), while the winger-turned-wing-back has been directly involved in six goals in his last six Premier League appearances. He impressed Michael Owen, Dimitar Berbatov and Roy Keane, all of whom won Premier League titles with Man Utd.
Michael Owen: "It's a great run. A really, really good goal. The vision to play the ball. Over the shoulder, on the volley, last seconds of the game - that is exceptional."
"The other thing is that to play right wing-back requires legs. Think about Man Utd's goals. Amads getting a penalty in the left-wing position, and he scored his goal in the left-wing position. Two runs like that in the last minutes of the game. His fitness levels are really impressive."
Dimitar Berbatov: "Amad's backed up everything the coach has given to him. The second goal shows how good he can be. It's a difficult goal to score. The future is bright. His finish was world-class."
Roy Keane: "He’s got energy and quality. You do worry as he’s a young kid and stays grounded – it was a big afternoon for him. He was prepared to run in behind. Everyone wants to come and get the ball but you need people running beyond the striker. You need to have certain traits to play for Manchester United and he’s got it – he looks comfortable in the jersey. Some players can’t find their feet playing for United but he looks OK being a Manchester United player.”
What next for Man Utd?
Man Utd are now only five points behind Man City and have an EFL Cup quarter-final against Tottenham Hotspur to look forward to on Thursday. The pundits say that trip to Spurs now takes on extra significance.
"He knows a lot of work is ahead of him. It's a great score, something to build on, but it doesn't mean much if you lose the next game!" Berbatov says.
Keane added: “United have had a really good day but they have to turn up at Spurs on Thursday night now – that’s the challenge. They have to kick on now. This might just be the spark they need, for the manager and the players, who were kissing the badge at the end. They have to get momentum into their season, they’ve not had any. It’s been stop-start, hit and miss. There was a bit of self-destruction from Man City but United need to use this. Turn up at Spurs and put in a spirited performance.”
